C21u—Introduction to U.S. Importing: The Customs Release and Entry Process

Subscriber price: $179.00, Non-subscriber price: $263.00
Estimated total study time: 13 hours 28 minutes [Enroll now]

This course is designed for an entry-level person to gain basic understanding of the process of importing goods into the United States, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the various government agencies involved in the import process.

If you are a new importer, this course will create understanding of an importer's responsibilities, needed documentation and the role of Customs and other U.S regulatory agencies and other parties involved in the import of goods into the U.S. For those of you who already have some import experience, this course will fill in gaps in your knowledge and add "big picture" understanding of overall import requirements.

Note: Although the operational particulars in which importation takes place varies with the transportation mode, this initial course is applicable to all operational environments.

Individuals wishing to learn more basics about U.S. import and/or export processes should also consider completing the following GISTnet courses:

Overview of U.S. Import Process and Players

This lesson looks back to the beginning of U.S. customs brokerage with a look at the history, current mission and organization of the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. We also introduce the U.S. import process with an overview of key players and additional parties that are sometimes involved.

(Estimated study time: 54 minutes)

Who Imports, Why, and Importer Responsibilities and Restrictions

In this lesson we consider why foreign goods are imported, and by whom.

(Estimated study time: 34 minutes)

Who are Customs Brokers?

In this lesson, we begin our study of what a customs broker is in terms of services performed on behalf of clients, which always are U.S. importers, some of whom may actually be outside the U.S.

(Estimated study time: 46 minutes)

The Relationship Between Importers and Customs Brokers

This lesson begins our coverage of services which customs brokers provide by addressing the relationship between the broker and his customer, the importer, with respect to "customs business" vs. other types of services.

(Estimated study time: 35 minutes)

A Customs Broker's Relationships with Transportation Carriers & Other Service Providers

This lesson addresses the operational relationships a broker must pursue with carriers and other service providers on behalf of its client importers.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 0 minutes)

The Customs Broker Involvement in the Cargo Transportation Process

In this lesson we address transportation-related responsibilities and services a broker must provide to assure timely customs clearance and delivery/on-carriage of the goods once cleared.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 1 minute)

Pre-Importation Responsibilities by Importer, Carrier, and Customs Broker

In this lesson we begin our examination of the actual importation process with what must happen before a shipment arrives into the U.S. For example, the import carrier must provide advance shipment (manifest) information to CBP, listing all the shipments on-board. Before arrival of food to be imported into the U.S., the importer or his agent, often the customs broker, must notify the FDA with shipment details.

(Estimated study time: 59 minutes)

The Import/Customs Broker Transaction: How Does It Start?

This lesson addresses what triggers the beginning of a customs broker transaction and how to start a transaction in a broker's operational system.

(Estimated study time: 37 minutes)

Initial Determination of Transaction Requirements

In this lesson we review the information, documents and authorizations required before entry processing begins.

(Estimated study time: 50 minutes)

ABI System as the Single Window to All Other Government Agencies Involved with Imports

The CBP's Automated Broker Interface (ABI) is the means by which customs brokers and direct-filer importers transact most of their business with CBP. It is important to understand the nature and capabilities of this system.

(Estimated study time: 50 minutes)

U.S. Imports Subject to Processing by U.S. Agencies in Addition to CBP

This lesson addresses U.S. import restrictions and other U.S. Government agency processing requirements that affect a variety of types of goods at the time of customs entry.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 30 minutes)

Customs Entry and Cargo Release Process: Overview, and Needed Information

This lesson begins with an entry process overview and progresses through the steps a broker typically takes in order to set up a customs clearance transaction. It then covers the type of importer information necessary and how to obtain it, including standing instructions from the importer.

It concludes with customs entry requirements such as when an importer bond is required and the importer's "CBP Form 5106" and Manufacturer's Identification Code (MID) that must be entered into Customs system prior to filing a customs entry.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 15 minutes)

Customs Entry and Cargo Release Process: Needed Transportation Information

In this lesson, we begin with an explanation of the customs manifest and chain of custody requirements. Then we describe how this transportation information is transmitted electronically to CBP to receive a Customs release.

(Estimated study time: 57 minutes)

Key Documents Needed for Importation: Transportation Document

The requirements regarding the transportation documents will be explained in this lesson. This will include why a bill of lading is required, what information is needed, as well as different types of bills of lading.

(Estimated study time: 52 minutes)

Key Documents Needed for Importation: Commercial Invoice and Related

The requirements regarding the transaction will be explained in this lesson. This will include the need for a commercial invoice or pro-forma invoice and packing list. We will also touch on imports of personal effects, household goods, and tools of the trade.

(Estimated study time: 48 minutes)